Police Chief David Griffin on Monday said the owner of the controversial Fins nightclub and two lingerie models were arrested last week and cited for violating the local ordinance prohibiting lingerie shows.
Since May, Oak Forest police have arrested several employees and guests at the club, at 5200 W. 159th St., on charges of prostitution and underaged drinking.
Fins management had been fighting the allegations and took the city to court, arguing the establishment has a constitutional right to conduct lingerie shows under the guarantee of freedom of speech. A judge had granted an injunction against making arrests for the shows.
But last week, the injuction was lifted and police were allowed to make arrests for alleged violations of the city’s ordinance, said Griffin.
“As far as we’re concerned, it’s against the law to hold lingerie shows,” he said. “We’re going to issue the tickets until our attorney tells us not to.”
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Fins owner Kamlesh Patel, 33, of 8548 Gross Point Rd., Skokie, and the two women, Ellen Knight, 31, of 11830 S. Karlov Ave., Alsip, and Richelle M. Craig, 25, of 52A Margaret Lane, Aurora, were given tickets and are expected to appear in court Sept. 24.
Fins attorney Sheldon Sorosky said, “The bar is open but they’re not doing any shows. We’re still going to fight at the liquor license hearing.”
The hearing will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in City Council chambers.